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The Unpleasant Truth about European Anti-Semitism
(New York Jewish Week) Gary Rosenblatt - Anti-Semitism in Europe, often in the guise now of anti-Israel rhetoric and actions, has become too big a problem to ignore or rationalize away. According to recent polls, Israel is considered by Europeans as the most dangerous nation in the world, more of a threat to world peace than Iran or North Korea. Israeli economist and author Manfred Gerstenfeld notes how "Israelis are blamed for whatever measures they take to defend themselves," while "Palestinian responsibility for suicide bombers, murderous missile attacks, glorification of murderers of civilians, and promoting genocide is reduced, at best." His new book, Demonizing Israel and the Jews, includes 57 interviews with academics, politicians, journalists and others in Europe, America and Israel who offer testimony of a variety of factors contributing to negative views among Europeans about Jews and Israel. Only Israel among the nations of the world must defend its right to exist, and is the subject of more critical UN resolutions than any other country. Ignoring the situation won't make it go away. Increased attention to the problem, a calm recitation of the facts, and efforts to educate the population are a start on the long path toward righting an awful wrong.